UUFM Board Board Meeting December 8, 2010

Present: Phil Newman (Chair), Ted deChatelet, Kris Gabrielsen, Marcia Blevins, Barbara Valentine, Lynn Hughes, Bev Halverson

Meeting called to order by Phil Newman at 6:30pm.

Christi Olsen, Director of Religious Education

Christi met with us so the board could see how things were working for her. She says childcare people are getting to know her and some of the congregation, mostly parents with kids in RE. Now has a separate RE Happenings newsletter pdf to attach to the announcements sent out each week before the service. We agreed it might be noticed better if she sent her newsletter once a month in a separate email and to copy Barbara specifically so she can post to the website.

Christi would like to do more worship service time with kids – this is done in Salem at the beginning before RE separate classes. We agreed the accommodations at the Senior center make this more complex. Christi will talk with the Worship Committee about her ideas with kids and the service.

Phil is concerned that Christi feel part of our community. She says travel is not really an issue, she still feels a bit like an employee rather than member. The board wants to find ways to help make her more visible. She wants to plan more multigenerational activities outside services. Phil noted how much we appreciate all she has done so far.

Christi wants to make sure greeters get information so they can help parents and kids, especially those that are new, to understand our RE program and how it works with the service. Christi is also concerned maybe we have too many childcare workers in Littles since she is in there herself a lot. We suggested Christi needs to feel independent enough to go to other rooms or even attend services.

Background checks – Christi and Ted still need to have background checks done. Christi is getting forms to all teachers. Ted will CC Christi when they clear.

Minutes Ted moved and Marcia seconded to approve the November 16, 2010 minutes. Unanimously approved.

Committee Reports

Finance: UUFM’s bank balance is $14,823.44. Available cash $11,026.07. Bev gave a second report relating expenses to the budget so far this year. Budget $25,834. Pledges received: $26440. UUA and PNWD dues will increase $2 each per person next year. In some categories we are over budget and others well under. Phil suggested we may need to go over in some places to help us calibrate the budget each year. It will help with pledge drives if people know we budget accurately for what we need. Overall we are in good shape. Bev will keep us apprised of line items we over use. Motion by Kris to approve Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Marcia. Approved unanimously.

We need to create a new budget in January to present to the Membership at the February 20, 2011 business meeting. Phil will send an open call for budget items. Bev will contact all the committees for input. He will also ask Ken if he will run the pledge drive.

Worship Committee: Lynn reported that Patriciafaye held celebrant training for speakers: (new) Eric, Jennifer, Phoebe ; (experienced) Nakota, Ken, Bernie, Ronnie. December 19 service is well planned and staffed by Vicki Willbanks. Choir will debut. Board was asked by the Worship Team to recommend someone to replace Beth. Marcia will ask Joan Kringen if she would like to join the committee.

Building Committee: Eric Gabrielsen submitted a written report. Phil will distribute the report by email to the board for review.

Web Site Task Force: Not much new – continuing to update. Board will consider idea of executive director type position to perform administrative tasks, especially spearhead an effort to upgrade web page.

PNWD conference: February 5, 2011. $75 full day, $45 half day if register before Dec. 20. Important that we show up in force. Phil will ask if PNWD can help us. Motion: Ted moved and Kris seconded that the board allocate $750 for 10 members to get registration free. Email will be sent to membership with offer. If more than 10 respond, lottery will decide who goes.

Holiday brunch: Board decided to give $50 gift card to Ruth from Senior Center.

Next Board Meetings: January 4, 2011– Bev’s house; February 10, 2011 – Marcia’s;

Quarterly All Fellowship Business meeting: Scheduled February 20, 2011. Will advertise in Announcements. Phil will post agenda 10 days before meeting.

Meeting adjourned 9:15 pm.

Submitted by Barbara Valentine

December 12, 2010